Domestic Violence

Definition

Domestic violence is abuse between family members or related persons. It may come in many forms: actual physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, emotional abuse, threatening phone calls, disturbances at a place of employment, stalking, and other forms of dominance and control.

Michigan statutes define domestic violence as “an individual who assaults or assaults and batters his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of the same household, or an individual with whom you’ve had an intimate relationship.”

Domestic Violence Unit

The Taylor Police Department has a separate unit devoted strictly to domestic violence and family matters. A detective, a Wayne County prosecutor and a victim’s advocate, work daily as a team to prosecute batterers and assist victims of domestic violence.

Examples of Domestic Violence

Economic abuse such as withholding money, and being prevented from getting a job.

Emotional abuse, i.e., put downs, name calling, and mind games.

Isolation from family or friends.

Physical assault such as hitting, pushing and biting.

Sexual assault.

Stalking

There are other forms of abuse that are not considered criminal. These include:

Threats and intimidation

Children Witness to Domestic Violence

Children growing up in an abusive home also suffer. Problems such as poor school performance, aggressive relationships with peers and siblings, and a lack of self-esteem can develop. Children are likely to believe that abuse is a normal part of adult behavior. Boys commonly become abusers themselves, while girls commonly become victims of an abusive relationship.

How to Report Domestic Violence to Police

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or ask a neighbor to call if you are unable. If you are not in immediate danger but wish to report the incident, call the Taylor Police Department non-emergency number 734-287-6611, or come to the Taylor Police Department. This should be done as soon as possible after the incident to preserve evidence. You should also seek medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered.

Domestic Violence Counseling and Support Services

Crime Victim Rights

The Michigan Constitution and the Crime Victim's Rights Act have given crime victims the right to:

Be treated throughout the criminal justice process with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy

Timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused

Receive an explanation of court procedures

Reasonable protection from the accused, including having a waiting
area separate from the defendant and the defendant's relatives and
witnesses (if practical), and to receive an explanation of procedures
to follow if threatened or intimidated by the defendant

Be free from threats or acts of discharge from your employer
because you are subpoenaed or requested by the prosecutor to testify in
court

Consult with the prosecutor to give your views about the disposition of the case notice of:

Emergency and medical services [from the investigating police agency]

The name of the person in the Prosecutor's Office with information about your case;

All scheduled court proceedings, including sentencing;

The defendant's release on bond or escape from custody while awaiting trial;

The address and telephone number of the probation department that
is preparing the pre-sentence investigation report, if one is ordered
by the Judge;

Victim compensation benefits, including the address of the Crime
Victims Compensation Board, and an explanation of eligibility
requirements for compensation funds attend trial and all other court
proceedings the accused has the right to attend (except possible
sequestration during a trial before you testify)

Confer with the prosecution before trial and before the jury is selected

Make an oral statement to a pre-sentence investigator, or to have a
written impact statement included in the pre-sentence report.

Make an oral or written statement to the court at sentencing.

Restitution

Information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused

An explanation of the appeal process, to be advised if the
defendant has been released on an appeal bond, to be advised of the
time and place of appellate court proceedings, and to be advised of the
result of an appeal

Prompt return of your property taken during an investigation, except as otherwise provided by the law.